Internships & Apprenticeships
Building Talent and Strengthening Community The impact of the University of Delaware’s Lerner Co-op Program at The WRK Group BY KRISTIN REAUME, SHRM-CP
At The WRK Group, our mission is rooted in creating pathways of opportunity for the communities we serve in Wilmington. Through our integrated approach focused on high-quality housing, education, workforce development, and community health, we are constantly looking for ways to strengthen both our programs and our people. One of the most impactful ways we’ve been able to do that is through our partnership with the University of Delaware’s Lerner Co-op Program. Over the past year, The WRK Group has had the opportunity to host co-op students across several functional areas, including human resources, marketing, and finance. Each student has brought a high level of professionalism, dependability, and subject-matter knowledge that has made a meaningful contribution to our day-to-day operations. These are not students who simply observe; they actively engage, take ownership of their work, and add value to our teams. In human resources, our co-op student has supported key initiatives such as recruitment coordination, onboarding processes, and employee engagement efforts. In marketing, students have contributed to content creation, branding initiatives, and community outreach strategies that help us better tell our story. Within finance, co-op participants have assisted with data tracking, reporting, and operational support that strengthens our financial processes. Across each department, these students have demonstrated the ability to apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings while adapting quickly to the pace and complexity of a missiondriven organization. A critical component of this success has been our partnership with Brandon White, the Lerner co-op program coordinator. Brandon has 36
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been an exceptional partner. He is responsive, thoughtful, and deeply knowledgeable about his students’ strengths and career goals. His ability to match The WRK Group with high-quality candidates who align with our organizational needs has made the process seamless and effective. It is clear that the program is intentional not only about student development, but also about ensuring meaningful alignment between students and host organizations. Beyond the immediate operational support, the co-op program also plays a key role in building a strong talent pipeline. In today’s competitive market, this program provides organizations like ours with the opportunity to invest in emerging professionals while also giving students hands-on experience in environments that are purpose-driven and community-focused. For The WRK Group, this partnership is not just about short-term support; it is about cultivating future leaders who understand and are committed to the work we do. As we continue to grow, partnerships like the UD Lerner Co-op Program will remain an important part of our strategy. They allow us to expand our capacity, bring in fresh perspectives, and contribute to the development of the next generation of professionals. We are proud to be a participating organization and look forward to continuing this impactful collaboration. n
Kristin Reaume, SHRM-CP, is an HR generalist at The WRK Group.
May/June 2026
| DELAWARE BUSINESS
4/28/26 2:34 PM